Many professional footballers, especially those from Africa, have used their platform and wealth to make a positive impact on their communities. In this article, we’ll take a look at five African players who have stood out for their outstanding humanitarian efforts.
MOHAMED SALAH The Egyptian superstar has shown his generous side by investing in various developments in his hometown of Basioun. This includes donating $450,000 to build an ambulance unit and a water treatment plant. He also gave $282,000 to a state-run development fund in Egypt, and $156,000 to help rebuild a fire-damaged church in Giza.
ANDRE ONANA The Cameroonian goalkeeper has been working with Spanish NGOs to provide life-changing pediatric services, mostly surgeries, for an average of 500 children per year across West and Central Africa through his foundation.
WILFRED ZAHA The Ivorian winger has committed 10% of his salary to support the Zaha Foundation, which runs an orphanage in Ivory Coast and a semi-professional football team to help children progress in the sport.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senegalese defender purchased and shipped two ambulances, as well as numerous stretchers, hospital gowns, PPE, and thousands of protective masks from Naples to Senegal to support the healthcare system in his home country.
SADIO MANÉ The Senegalese forward has been a shining example of philanthropy in his home country. In 2020, he donated $693,000 to build a hospital in his hometown of Bambali. He has also funded the construction of a school and a mosque in the village. Additionally, Mané regularly sends shipments of food and other essential supplies to support his community during difficult times.
These African footballers have demonstrated their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of their fellow citizens, setting an inspiring example for other athletes to follow.
